“Kindness is the key to hearts.” (CCD 9:207)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Oh God, be present in all the relationships and interactions of my day. Above all, help me to be gentle in dealing with others.

“We should strive to model our actions on those of the Blessed Virgin, for the greatest honor we can offer her is to imitate her virtues.” (SW:785)
– St. Louise de Marillac

– Blessed Mother, I rededicate myself to you today, asking that you keep me from all harm. Obtain all the graces I need to lead a holy life totally committed to Jesus your son.

“Bitterness never serves any purpose than to embitter.” (CCD 1:526)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Remove from my heart, O Lord, all traces of hatred and resentment when wrongfully treated, remembering that they serve no purpose but to harm me and displease you.

“Clothe yourselves with the dispositions which animated your Master. When he approached a sick person, it was always in the name of the Father, and by the virtue of the Holy Spirit: thus, you should always bring with you the goodness and tenderness, the love and mercy of the Father and in your speech and actions remain dependent on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, keep me from acting from purely human motives, remembering that whenever I see a poor person, I see you, or if I give to the poor, it is you, Jesus, who receives the gift.

“Never be hurried by anything whatsoever, and nothing can be more pressing than the necessity for your peace before God— commit everything to him that passes thro’ your hands; you will help others more by the peace and tranquility of your heart than by any eagerness or care you can bestow on them.” (CW 3b:84)
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– Peace and tranquility are infectious. I know it is possible to experience this state of heart even when the outcome of a situation has been bleak. Committing all to you ahead of time can make that possible, Lord.

“I have always shunned performing good deeds in one place to gain credit in another.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Heavenly Lord, preserve me from that way of the world which is always seeking its own gain for actions performed for others.

“Remember, roses cannot be gathered except amid thorns.” (CCD 2:22)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, it has been said that we appreciate most those things for which we work the hardest. May no fear of obstacles deter me from doing your will today.

“We should overcome our sensitiveness, paying little attention as to whether we are addressed or not, or to the degree of affability with which we are treated, but let us try to gain all hearts by cordiality and support.” (SW:115)
– St. Louise de Marillac

– Lord, no matter how crowded my schedule may be, help me to have a positive attitude toward everyone I meet today, avoiding abruptness and impatience that will do nothing to draw them to you.

“One mistake should not be corrected by another.” (CCD 7:631)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– May I remember this as I go about my work, Lord.

“Indiscreet zeal is not good– people often spoil good works by rushing ahead and by acting according to their own inclinations which, contrary to common sense, make them think that the good they see to be done is feasible and timely, although this is not so; their error is recognized in the resulting lack of success.” (CCD 4:128)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– O God, sometimes I discourage others by holding to my own ideas because I think they are superior to theirs. Forgive me for this, and give me the humility to listen and be open to others.